{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Delhi Student Protest Case: Supreme Court Announces High-Powered Committee During Jantar Mantar Hearing",
  "summary": "The Supreme Court has announced the formation of a high-powered committee to handle disputes arising from the student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, while directing that no coercive action be taken against peaceful demonstrators.",
  "content": "The Supreme Court heard multiple petitions on Tuesday regarding the student demonstrations held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, addressing various legal challenges and counter-arguments presented by different counsels representing the protesting groups and law enforcement agencies.\n\n \n\nFormation of the High-Powered Committee\n\nDuring the proceedings, the court announced its decision to establish a high-powered committee supervised by former judges and former police officials to conduct an independent and thorough inquiry. The bench noted that the panel will not merely submit a single confidential report at the conclusion, but will continuously review emerging developments and file periodic reports so that the judiciary can issue interim directions whenever necessary.\n\n \n\nArguments on FIRs and Legality\n\nAdvocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the petitioners, urged the bench to issue orders quashing all existing FIRs related to the protests. Opposing this plea, counsel Syed Rizwan argued against granting blanket relief, contending that such an order would set a dangerous precedent and that the march toward Parliament was unlawful. The bench observed that all concerned parties are free to submit their complete lists of FIRs directly to the committee.\n\n \n\nInjured Police Personnel and Action Guidelines\n\nSolicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that over two hundred police personnel sustained serious injuries due to stone-pelting during the unrest. Addressing the scope of action, the Chief Justice stated that fundamental rights allow peaceful assemblies, and directed that no coercive steps should be taken against ordinary demonstrators who lack habitual criminal backgrounds, while excepting heinous offenses like murder, rape, and POCSO.\n\n \n\nOnline Threats and Technological Concerns\n\nSeveral lawyers raised ancillary grievances, including online threats directed at women participants, the restriction of victims' social media accounts, and the employment of facial recognition technology by authorities. The bench noted that the newly formed committee will examine all relevant grievances comprehensively, and invited suggestions from all participating counsels to finalize the terms of reference before issuing formal orders.\n\nWhat this means for you\nWhat this means for you:\n\n• Across India: Citizens and students nationwide receive legal reassurance regarding the constitutional right to assemble peacefully without facing arbitrary coercive measures.\n• In Delhi: Local commuters and residents may experience administrative shifts and security realignments around the Jantar Mantar demonstration zone.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why did the Supreme Court announce a high-powered committee?\nThe Supreme Court formed the committee to independently investigate the disputes and FIRs arising from the student protests at Jantar Mantar.\n\n2. Who will be part of the high-powered committee?\nThe panel includes a former Supreme Court judge, a former DGP, and a former CBI Director General.\n\n3. Who is exempted from coercive legal action?\nOrdinary demonstrators lacking serious criminal records are protected from punitive action, excluding those facing grave offenses.\n\n4. What detail did the Solicitor General present during the hearing?\nThe Solicitor General informed the court that over two hundred police personnel sustained serious injuries during the clashes.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/delhi-student-protest-case-supreme-court-announces-high-powered-committee-during-jantar-mantar-hearing-18055",
  "category": "Delhi",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-18",
  "tags": [
    "Supreme Court",
    "Delhi student protest",
    "Jantar Mantar",
    "Solicitor General",
    "high powered committee",
    "legal action"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}